Scarce Brown Bolt Action Rifle (AL5196)

Scarce Brown bolt action rifle. Made by Brown Manufacturing Company, Newburyport, MA, circa 1869-73. Estimated production is 1,000 to 2,000. While the great majority were 58 caliber rimfire, this Brown rifle is .58 caliber center fire. The overall length is approx. 55”. The bolt handle at the rear of the receiver is rotated up 90 degrees and pulled to the rear to expose the top loading chamber. The bolt also cocks a small hammer that is just to the rear. The 34” barrel has an excellent bore and is fastened by three Enfield style barrel bands. The top of the bolt is marked Brown Mfg. Co. Newburyport, Mass./Patented Oct. 17. 1871. All metal has a smooth gray-brown patina. The brass Enfield style trigger guard and butt plate are fine. The Enfield style stock is very good with nicely added checkering at the wrist and forearm and no chips or cracks. The lock area and left side plate area have been factory-filled with matching walnut wood. The ramrod and sling swivels are present. The action functions correctly. There is evidence that these rifles, especially in .58 centerfire, may have been used in the 1870 Fenian invasion of Canada. Here’s your chance to own a scarce early bolt action rifle in an uncommon caliber.